Description
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta recipe combines smoky andouille sausage, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, and garlic with gluten-free penne pasta all simmered in a flavorful spicy tomato broth. Cream cheese adds a luscious, velvety finish, making this a rich and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The dish is garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for a perfect balance of creaminess and heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Vegetables
- 13 oz. andouille sausage links (about 4 links), sliced into medallions
- 6 oz. fresh baby bella mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced
- ½ medium red bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- ½ medium yellow bell pepper, stemmed, seeds removed, and thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz. gluten-free penne pasta
- ½ cup (120 g) canned, diced fire-roasted tomatoes
- 3 ½ cups (830 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons no-salt or low-salt Cajun seasoning mix
- 7 oz. cream cheese
- Salt to taste
Garnish
- Fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sear the Sausage: Add the sliced andouille sausage to a large skillet or braiser over medium heat. Sear the medallions on both sides until they develop a slight crisp, about 4 minutes total, helping to render flavorful sausage oil. Remove the sausage and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, keeping the sausage oil in the pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet with the retained sausage oil, add the sliced mushrooms, red and yellow bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the mushrooms start to brown and the vegetables soften slightly.
- Add Pasta and Liquids: Stir in the gluten-free penne pasta, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, chicken broth, and Cajun seasoning mix. Combine gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer Pasta: Cover the skillet with a lid and bring the broth mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 12-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta should become tender and cooked al dente.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Break the cream cheese into chunks and stir it into the skillet until completely melted, forming a thick and creamy sauce coating the pasta and vegetables.
- Combine Sausage: Return the cooked sausage medallions to the skillet, season with salt to taste, and stir well to combine and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped Italian parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the pasta. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors of the creamy Cajun sausage pasta.
Notes
- Using gluten-free pasta keeps this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning.
- Andouille sausage provides authentic Cajun flavor, but kielbasa or smoked sausage can be a substitute if unavailable.
- Stirring the pasta frequently while simmering prevents it from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
